Illuminated pushbutton switch



Nov. 24, 1970 R. G. TRAVERSA ILLUMINATED PUSHBUTTON SWITCH Filed May 27, 1968 III.

III'I" FIGURE 4 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 2 INVENTOR. RICHARD G. TRAVERSA United States Patent US. Cl. 240-2 1 Claim ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A low cost illuminated pushbutton switch assembly wherein the lamp or illuminating device is supported directly by the contact elements on the body of a pushbutton switch assembly. A transparent pushbutton is press fit onto the pushbutton control element and overfits the illuminating device.

This invention relates to an illuminated pushbutton switch. For many years, switches have found great utility in the computer industry. The illuminated switch is a very useful device in the computer control panel so that the operator may, at a glance, note which of a plurality of control functions have been or can be energized.

The need for relatively inexpensive illuminated switches has been apparent to those skilled in the art. Because these switches are manufactured in great quantities, cost reduction is a very important factor.

Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a very inexpensive illuminated switch assembly for use in a digital computer.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an illuminated switch which is relatively easily mountable and demountable from the switching assembly.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of an illuminated pushbutton switch of very low cost.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by examination of the specifications and drawings.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the over-all assembly; FIG. 2 is a top view of the base plate; FIG. 3 is an end view of the face member; and FIG. 4 is a side view of the lamp mounting assembly.

The present invention provides a pushbutton switch having an easily mountable and demountable, relatively transparent member which when mounted encloses the illuminating lamp. This lamp is coupled by novel means to the switch output elements themselves.

FIG. 1 shows the over-all assembly in accordance with the present invention. As shown therein, reference numeral 1 denotes a mounting member which may form part of the control panel of a computer. Relatively transparent member 2 is mounted within aperture 3 in said control panel for free movement in and out of said aperture. Member 2 may be formed of light transparent material having the desired light transmissivity characteristics such as a thermoplastic material sold under the trademark ACETIL. The member 2 is mounted in frictional engagement on control member 4 of electric switch 10. This control member 4 may have any desired configuration and means 2 may be interfit therewith in any desired manner, such as, frictional engagement, or by suitable adhesive. Clip 7 serves to limit the movement 3,543,015 Patented Nov. 24. 1970 ice of spring 8. Spring 8 is mounted as shown between a stop 12 of the switch body 10 and the clip 7. The output of the switching elements in body 10 is shown by suitable pins 11. Also mounted on pins 11 is base plate 9 formed of a suitable electrically insulating material. Base plate 9 has apertures suitably configured with respect to the location of output pins .11 so that when mounted thereon a relatively secure fit is obtained. Mounted on base plate 9 is the illuminating lamp shown as comprising a socket 6 and an electric lamp 5.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of base plate 9 which provides the mounting for the lamp housing. This plate may be constructed of suitable electrically insulating materials such as phenolic resin. Plate 9 has suitable apertures 13 located thereon in configuration matching that of the output pins 11 from switch body 10. These apertures may be any number desired. The only requirement is that they provide a relatively secure connection for the lamp mounting. Plate 9 also contains U-shaped indented portion 15 symmetrically located with respect to the ends of the plate whose function will be explained below.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the transparent member 2. In this figure, reference numeral 18 denotes the walls of the housing. Integral with said housing are mounting members 19 and 17. These members have channels 21 and 23 located therein. In these channels, spring 25, which may be a bowspring, is anchored. The combination of spring 25 and inside portions 29 and 31 of the mounting members 17 and 19 create aperture 27 in which control element 4 of the switch 10 may be frictionally interfit and held in place by a combination of forces provided by the inside portions 29 and 31 and spring 25. Web 3 keeps bowspring 25 in place.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the mounting of lamp socket 6 on the insulated plate 9. This mounting is accomplished through the use of a metallic member having vertical portion 41, horizontal portion 35, and vertical portion 39. Portion 41 is suitably engaged to lamp socket 6 with the use of some electrically insulating material. The lower end of portion 41 is interfit with U-shaped portion 15 of base plate 9 as shown in FIG. 2. Horizontal portion 35 then becomes located in intimate relation with the underside of plate 9 permitting vertical portion 39 of the mounting means to extend through aperture 37 in the base plate 9. The extended portion of vertical member 39 is then twisted to provide solid engagement between the mounting means and the plate 9. Electrical leads 33 and 34 for the lamp socket are shown.

Now that the preferred embodiment of my invention has been described, many modifications will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and the above description is intended as exemplary and not limiting.

I claim:

-1. An illuminated pushbutton switch comprising:

a switch having a body portion and a movable control element;

a plurality of pin connections coupled to said body portion for providing electrical connections to and from said switch;

illuminating means including an apertured base plate formed of an electrically insulating material, for indicating the condition of said switch; said base plate being mounted on said pin connections via 3 said apertures to provide mechanical support for 2,853,565 9/1958 Arthur et a1. 200-167 XR said illuminating means; and

a relatively transparent pushbutton mounted on said movable control element and enclosing said illuminating means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1941 Woods 200-467 XR 8/1952 Sheidler 200-167 XR 3,040,151 6/1962 Reihman et a1. 240-2 XIR 3,358,111 12/1967 Dzierzbicki et a1. 200--167 JOHN M. HORAN, Primary Examiner I. F. PETERS, 111., Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

